Container capping machine



Jan. 31, 1956 E. N. DE BASTOS ET AL CONTAINER CAPPING MACHINE V 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORS Filed Oct. 31 1950 Jan. 1956 E. N. DE BASTOS ETAL 2,732,991

CONTAINER CAPPING MACHINE Filed Oct. 31, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR.S

Jan. 31, 1956 N, DE BASTOS ETAL 2,732,991

CONTAINER CAPPING MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 31, 1950 United States Paterit 2,7 32,991 CONTAINER CAPPING MACHINE Emil N. de Bastos and Arthur W; Weller, Brooklyn, N. Y.,

assignors to Resina Automatic Machinery Co, Inc.,

' Brooklyn, N. Y., a corporation of New'York Application October 31, 1950, Serial No. 193,255

6 Claims. 01. 226-F88) 'This invention relates generally to the field of container cappingmachines, and more particularly to means form leveling caps disposedimmediately above containers, prior to the seating of said caps upon the same.

machine structure set forth in a pending application by M. .Norman Schweitzer, filed February '12, 1949, and

which bears' Serial No. 76,105, now Patent Number,

2,658,654, dated November 10, 1953.

With machines of this type, wherein'the containers and caps" therefor travel at relatively high rates of speed,

there is occasionally a tendency for the caps to be seated on the openings of the containers in such a manner that invention to provide structure by means of whichsubstantially all possibility of the caps being pos t oned 1mproperly has been removed. 11: I

Another object of the present invention herein lies 1n the provision of structure which willmaintain-each suc- The present invention has specific application to the container cappmg Figure 3 is a fragmentary vertical transverse sectional view as seen from the plane 3-3 on Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a third embodiment of the invention, showing the device in position upon a capping machine.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the third embodiment of the device.

Figure 7 is afragmentary enlarged perspective view, partly in section, of a portion of the structure in Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary sectional view, partly in elevation, showing a fourth embodiment.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary enlarged horizontal sectional view as seen from the plane 99 on Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a plan view of a fifth embodiment of the invention, detached from the capping machine.

Figure 11 is a fragmentary elevational view as seen from the plane Ill-11 on Figure 10. a Y

Figure 12 is a side elevational View as seen from th right hand portion of Figure 10. V

Figure 13 is a view in perspective of a portion of the adjustable means which engages the container caps while the caps are being applied to the container.

In accordance with the invention, in the first embodiment the device, generally indicated by reference characj ter ltl, includes broadly a mounting block 12 to which are may be readily accomplished by removing the cotter keys cessive cap in a horizontal plane until the threads or lugs thereof have been sufiiciently engaged with corresponding parts of the container to assure proper positioning thereof 1 as the same is tightened.

Still another object of the present invention lies in the provision of structure of the class described inwhich there is provided means for maintaining the cap in a horizontal plane regardless of any vertical displacement of the cap during the tightening process. A feature of the invention lies in the fact that the device may be adjusted for various types of caps ranging from those having a relatively fiat shape, as exemplified by the cap for mustard jars and the like, as well as the relatively tall configuration "exemplified by caps used in conjunction with catsup bottles and the like. v

These objects and features, as well asother incidentalobjects and advantages will become more clearly apparent during the course of the following disclosure, and be pointed out in the appended claims. b I On the drawings to which reference willjbe made in the specification, similar reference characters have been.

employed to designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Figure 1 is a fragmentary side 'elevational'view of a first embodiment of the invention, showing the device in position on a capping machine.

a Figure la is a fragmentary enlarged elevational view as seen from the plane1a1a on Figure l.

ment of the invention.

pivotally secured by means of pins 14, four link members 22. Pivotally secured to the lower ends of the link members 2 2 is a leveling element 39, through which the successivecaps 2% may pass. When the device is installed on already :existing machines, the leveling element 30 may be secured to link members already present, and the leveling element St merely replaces the forward leveling member (reference character 188 shown on Figure 4 of thefdrawing in the above mentioned application). This after which thelink members may be freed.

The leveling element 39 comprises an upper guide member 34, side guide members 36 and 3S, and detachably 'associatedlower guide members liand 42; said last I, mentioned members preferably being secured to said guide members 36 and 38, respectively, by means of screws 4-4.

The upper guide member includes a link connecting member46, which is generally rectangular in configuration. Since the link members 22 between bearings are of equal length, it necessarily follows that the connecting member .46 can execute motion only in planes parallel to the horizontal. The lowermost limit of this motion is regulatedby means of an adjusting screw as, the supporting member 54) of which is secured to the mounting block 12. This limit will be fixed, depending upon the particu- "lar type of cap and container employed, by considerations of height of the given containers and caps therefor.

The upper guide member 34 and side guide members 36'and 38 are preferably formed integral in the form of a'single casting. The upper guide member is generally of planar configuration, and is provided with a cap-engaging camming surface 52 which provides force to the moving cap 200 to result in leveling the same.

Theside guide members 36 and 38 are disposed at substantially right angles with respect to the upper guide "member 34 and are provided with elongated slots 54 and 56 through which the annular members 64) which serve to drive the caps 200 may project. The lower guide members 40 and 42 are preferably in'the form of elongated strips, and as 'may be seen on Figures 1 and 2 in-, .clusive they are detachably connected to the side guide members by means of screws 44. The lower guide mem- -Figure 2 is a side elevational view of a second embodi bers 40 and 42 are preferably substantially planar in configuration. A lip portion 64 on each lower guide member projects inwardly of'the side guide members'36 and 38, and in conjunction with the'rabbet portions 66 on each of the side guide members 36 and 38, form a channel in which the radial edge 68 of a cap 200 may move.

It will, of course, be understood that since the device is essentially an attachment, it may be readily removed for substitution and/or replacement, the exact configuration of the cap carrying or engaging portions of the device depending upon the size and configuration of the cap employed.

Turning to the second embodiment in Figures 2 to 4, for example, in the case of a relatively tall screw-type cap, such as that used to close catsup bottles, a device having relatively high side guide, members is necessary (see Figure 1), while in the case of a relatively low flat cap, for example those employed in the closing of mayonnaise or mustard jars, a device having relatively low side guide members and relatively wide upper guide members is desirable. This is shown in- Figures 2 to 4 inclusive. Sincethe differences between the first and second embodiments are principally differences in relative capsizes and shapes, for the purpose of avoiding needless repetition certain of the parts are given the same reference characters with the addition of the prefix 1.

Operation In use, the operation of the capping machine is generally similar to that occurring when the device 10 is not employed. The cap chute 70 is adjusted to proper height by means of the set screw 72 and the device 10 is adjusted as to its lower limit of motion by means of the adjusting screw 48. Containers 100 travel in a direction to the right as seen on Figure l, and as they pass beneath the terminal p rtion 74 of the cap chute, each successive container 100 engages a cap 200, subsequent travel disengaging the cap 200 from contact with the guiding spring 76. Further travel to the right engages the cap 200 with the device 10, whereby the former may be leveled with respect to the container. If the cap 200 is properly aligned atthe time of entrance into the device 10 the same will assume a position similar to that shown on Figure 1A, wherein the cap may be rotated by the annular members. As the cap is engaged upon the container, the same will normally travel in a downward direction, and this is permitted by the link members 22 under gravity. However, such motion may be made only in a manner in which the cap maintains its horizontal disposition, that is to say, displacement is purely transitional since this is fixed by the inner configuration of the device. Should the cap enter the device at an angle other than the proper angle, the upper portion of the cap 200 will strike the camming surface 52, prior to becoming fully engaged with the side and lowerguide members 36 to 42, inclusive, which surface serves to straighten or correct the angle, after which the cycle of operation is precisely the same as heretofore described. Subsequent travel to the right of the device (as seen onFigure 1) serves to eject the capped con tainer for transit from the capping machine. It is to be understood that the capping operation need not be fully completed by the time the container and cap leave the confines of the device 10. 7 Subsequent completion may be accomplished by the annular members disposed to the rear of the capping machine.

In the operation of the present invention, as seen in Figures 1A and 3, it will be noted that the rims 68 and 168 are disposed in the longitudinal grooves formed by the lips 64 and 164 and the rabbets 66 and 166 respectively. These grooves prevent tipping of the caps and are especially effective where the top of the cap is rounded as for example as shown at 200a in Figure 1A. Asshown in Figures 1A and 3 the clearances, between the caps 200 and 1200 and the grooves within which they they ride, are exaggerated for clarity audit is desirablethat the clearances be sufficient to permit the caps to slide and rotate freely but not to tip sufficiently to permit incorrect threading or jamming.

Thus, since the neck of the'container is partially disposed within the cap, it moves the cap along with it as it is moved by the conveyor for the container. The weight of the parts below the pins 14, and the cap, is carried by the container neck, but the structure moves the cap only axially with respect to the axis of the threads on the neck of the container, where by the movement of the cap is positively guided until sufficient of the threads on the cap and neck are interengaged. Not until that stage of closure does the container and cap leave the structure 10. Suflicient clearance is provided in the slots 54, and 56,- to provide contact with the cap by the annular members while the leveling element is moved through its range.

Turning now to the third embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in Figures 5, 6 and 7, to avoid needless repetition, certain of the parts corresponding to those of the first embodiment have been designated by similar reference characters with thcadditional prefix 2. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment principally in the elimination of the link members 22 together with associated structure. Instead of the curved translational movement obtained by this structure, the third embodiment provides vertical rectilinear displacement.

Referring to Figure 5 on the drawings, it may be seen that the device 210 is resiliently and slid-ably mounted directly upon the main frame element 211 of the capping machine. This is accomplished by means of a forward slide shaft 213 and a rearward slide shaft 215 which are joined at the upper ends thereof by a horizontally disposed cross bar 217. The shafts 213 and 215 are slidably disposed for vertical reciprocation in the ball bushings 231. The bushings 231 are of generally hollow cylindrical configuration, of such internal diameter as to enable them to surround the shafts 213 and 215. One of the bushings 231 is shown in detail in Figure 7 where there is disposed in the inner surface 248 a plurality of oval-shaped circuits 233 in which there is disposed a plurality of small ball bearings. These balls are adapted to operate as friction reducers to permit vertical reciprocation, and also, because of the length of the'circuits provided there is accurate'alignment for the shafts.

By virtue of the fact that the ball bushings have a very low coefiicient of friction the leveling element 230 and the parts it carries may shift rapidly in vertical directions to accommodate high speed travel of caps 2100 therethrough. Gravity and the coil springs 223 and 225 urge the leveling element to its lower position.

Asseen in Figure 6 the cross bar 217 carries adjusting means 227 (shown as a bolt threaded in said bar and maintained in position by a lock nut) which may contact the upper. surface of the frame 211 to limit downward movement of the block 230 and the parts on it.

The fourth embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. Here again certain of the parts corresponding to prior described embodiments are given the same reference characters with the addition of the prefix 3.11

The shafts 313 and 315 are provided with rectilinear channels 319 which extend centrally from opposite surfaces (see Figure 9). A smooth'sliding motion between the shafts 313 and 315 and the frame 311 is obtained by the engagement of a plurality of ball bearings 329, the outer races 350 of which extend into the channels 319. The inner'races of said bearings are mounted on transverse spindles 309. The uppermost and lowermost limits of the path of travel are of course determined by the arresting portions 321 which terminate each channel 319, but more accurate determination is made by means of the means 327 shown in the form of an adjusting screw. As shown, the lower end of the screw 327 is normally urged into contact with the frame 311 by gravity but coil springs like 223 and 225 may be disposed concentrically about the shafts 313 and 315 below the frame 311.

assassin The fifth embodiment is seen by referring to Figures to 13, inclusive. Here again certain parts carry the reference characters of prior described embodiments with addition of prefix 4.

The upper guide member 434 is formed to include means for adjusting the width between the side guide members 436 and 438. This is accomplished by means of slidably mounted blocks 407 and 408 which are maintained in parallel position by means of pins 405 and 406. A" double threaded adjusting screw 447 simultaneously moves both blocks inwardly or outwardly as required, the adjustment being easily made by means of a screw driver which may engage the slotted ends thereof. The members 436 and 438 are secured to the blocks 407 and 408 by means of screws 445 which engage elongated slots 446 in said members 436 and 438. This mounting affords vertical adjustments which may be required when employing any particular type of cap 4200. The upper guide member 434 is positioned upon the mounting block like the block 35 by means of pins 439 and 441, the suitable means (not shown) may be used to secure the guide member 434 in place upon said block.

The embodiment shown in Figures 10 to 13, inclusive provides the greatest flexibility for the'accommodation of caps and containers of diiferent sizes and shapes. Note for example in Figures 11 and 13 that the side guide members 436 and 438 have lower substantially horizontal members 404 and upright arms 403 and 402 which carry the slots 446 previously mentioned. This construction efifects an automatic change in height of the slots 454 and 456 to accommodate changes in height of the caps 4200.

The lower guide members 442 as well as the lip portions 464 thereof through manipulation of the screws 444 may be changed to accommodate to the neck rim 4101 of the containers 4100.

It may thus be seen that we have provided novel and useful improvements in container capping in which there is provided a simple device which assures the proper alignment of caps with respect to containers prior to the securing of the caps upon the containers. By virtue of the relatively low mass of the moving parts and the low ,coefiicient of friction under which they are movably mounted, the moving parts may quickly shift to accommodate changes in position of the caps and these may therefore pass through at relatively high speeds. Since container capping machines are frequently used with different runs using changed sizes of containers and caps, the disclosed constructions aflt'ord ease of adjustment to accommodate not only for the height and diameter of the cap but also for caps having internal and external threads and for containers having neck rims of diiferent dimensions. Depending upon the speed of operation the device may incorporate springs which urge it into proper position to align the caps with respect to the containers for quick and accurate engagement. Even though the cap is adequately supported and aligned there is sufficient clear opening for access by the wheels which engage the caps to either start screwing them or to complete the tightening thereof. Thus, the caps have their threads axially aligned with the threads of the container just prior to and also during a sufiicient period of time until an ample portion of the threads are interengaged to prevent tilting or jamming and assure high speed operation.

We wish it to be understood that we do not consider the invention limited to the exact details of the structure set forth in this specification, for obvious modifications will occur to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains.

We claim:

1. For use with a container capping machine having means to feed a succession of caps and a succession of containers which meet at a capping location and means for rotating said caps to threadedly engage the same upon said container; a device for aligning the caps with respect to the containers as the caps are threadedly engaged with said containers, saiddevice comprising: a support means fixedly arranged with respect to said capping machine; aleveling element; means movably interconnecting said leveling element with said support means; said leveling element being movable through a plurality of substantially parallel planes, and including an upper guide member and a pair of spaced side guide members between which said caps maypass; at least one of said guide members having an opening therein through which said cap rotating means on said capping machine may project to engage successive caps passing between said side guide members; whereby said caps may be maintained in level position as the same are rotated to be threadedly engaged with said containers.

2. For use with a container capping machine having means to feed a succession of caps and a succession of containers which meet at a capping location, means for rotating said caps to threadedly engage the same upon said containers, a device for aligning the caps with respect to the containers as the caps are threadedly engaged with said containers, said device comprising: a support means fixedly arranged with respect to said capping machine; a leveling element; means movably interconnecting said leveling element with said support means; said leveling element being movable through a plurality of substantially parallel planes, and including an upper guide member, a pair of spaced side guide members and a pair of lower guide members; said lower guide members being associated with said side guide members; said side guide members having openings therein throughwhich said cap rotating means, on said capping machine may project to engage successive caps passing between said side guide members; whereby said caps may be maintained in level position as the same are rotated to be threadedly engagedwith said containers.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the openings in said side guide members are in the form of elongatedrectangular slots.

4. For use with a container capping machine having means to feed a succession of caps and a succession of containers which meet at a capping location and means for rotating said caps to threadedly engage the same upon said container; a device for aligning the caps with respect to the containers as the caps are threadedly engaged with said containers, said device comprising: a support means fixedly arranged with respect to said capping machine; a leveling element; means movably interconnecting said leveling element with said support means; said leveling element being movable in a substantially vertical direction with respect to said support means, and including an upper guide member and a pair of spaced side guide members between which said caps may pass; at least one of said guide members having an opening therein through which said cap rotating means on said capping machine may project to engage successive caps passing between said side guide members; whereby said caps may be maintained in level position as the same are rotated to be threadedly engaged with said containers.

5. For use with a container capping machine having means to feed a succession of caps and a succession of containers which meet at a capping location, means for rotating said caps to threadedly engage the same upon said containers, a device for aligning the caps with respect to the containers as the caps are threadedly engaged with said containers, said device comprising: a support means fixedly arranged with respect to said capping machine; a leveling element; means movably interconnecting said leveling element with said support means; said leveling element being movable in a substantially vertical direction with respect to said support means; and including an upper guide member, a pair of spaced side guide members, and a pair of lower guide members; said lower guide members being associated with side guide members; said side guide members having openings there- 7 in through which said ,cap rotating means on said capping machine may project to engage successive caps passing between said side guide members; whereby said caps may be maintained in a level position as the same are rotated to be threadedly engaged with said containers. I

6. A device as claimed in claim 5, (in which the open- References Cited inthe file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Cameron Y..- Jan. 27, 1948 Schweitzer Nov. 10, 1953 

